A key is a simple and very useful tool that anyone can use to help identify the genus and species of a particular specimen, as long as that particular species is listed in the key.  Using any key is a step by step process.  Each page will contain options and identifiers that when clicked on will take you from very general characteristics of entire classes and orders to more and more specific characteristics, until you reach a genus and species.  Try and see!!!  For questions or comments go to the section called "For More Information".  It is also a smart idea to familiarize yourself with some basic biological terminology before continuing further. Also, a very good key to all the reptiles and amphibians of North America is "A Key to Amphibians & Reptiles of the Continental United States and Canada" by Powell et al. (1998) University of Kansas Press (ISBN 0 - 7006 0929 - 6) and available through lots of sources, including amazon.com.  If you find an reptile or amphibian that does not key out reasonably using our key by all means look to Powell et al.'s book.
 

BEGIN HERE:

    1. Scales and/or shell present.............(Reptiles) CLICK HERE

    2. No scales and no shell present (smooth or warty skin).........(Amphibians) CLICK HERE